On March 14, the Schodack Town Board, without debate, unanimously approved a resolution to officially oppose the NY SAFE Act. The town's resolution was identical to a resolution passed by the Rensselaer County Legislature.
When asked in the next Town Board meeting whether he would enlighten us on the specific provisions opposed, Supervisor Dennis Dowds replied: "No comment." Dowds also had no comment when asked if the board has a plan to protect the children in our schools if the law is repealed or whether the town is in favor of arming teachers/principals or guards in Schodack schools.
Did Dowds and the Town Board believe they represented the views of the residents when they passed this resolution or were they merely standing in line with higher-ups in the Republican Party? Is a rating by the National Rifle Association in the balance?
We believe that the residents of Schodack have a right to know whether they are in favor of having armed guards/teachers in our schools. "No comment" certainly won't help us arrive at a consensus on gun safety, ensure the safety of our children in school, or comfort those who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence.
The Schodack Town Board showed no thought or foresight in passing this resolution, and it now shows no political courage to explain or defend it.
Barbara and David Spink
Schodack